Amateur, professional cyclists head to Cambridge for high-octane race

CAMBRIDGE --Cyclists are rolling into town in advance of the 8th edition of the Tour of the Battenkill this April 13-15.

Known as "America's Queen of the Classics," the professional/amateur bicycle race draws thousands of cyclists to compete on an arduous, 62-mile course through rolling terrain on dirt and paved surfaces. Over 2,500 amateur and professional cyclists competed last year.

This year's event includes an appearance by three-time Tour de France Champion Greg LeMond, who will be joining a book signing with Bill Humphreys, author of "Jersey Project," a pictorial compilation of professional jerseys worn by the world's most prominent cyclists. LeMond and Humphreys will appear at Battenkill Books at 15 East Main St. on Friday, April 13, at 11 a.m.

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This year's professional race is once again sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the sport's top governing body, and is part of the Great American Cycling Series. Professionals do two laps for a 124-mile total distance, and 29 teams are expected to compete.

Race organizer Dieter Drake said this year's scheduling and layout was "not unlike" in 2009, when the event took place over two days on one weekend, and featured thrilling finishes along Main Street. In total, 40 amateur races are scheduled through the day on April 14, while the professional invitational will be held April 15.

Through traffic will be detoured both days on Main Street in Cambridge between Union and Grove streets, from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., Sunday's race involves a full "rolling closure" for the professional pack of 150 to 160 racers.

Last year, cyclists crossed the finish line on Broad Street to minimize road closures, but Drake said there was "some disappointment" with that layout, with organizers receiving feedback that it was not as exciting a finish for spectators.

Awards, live entertainment, and the race expo are ongoing during the event at Railroad Park on Broad Street.

Perennial favorite spots for viewing Sunday's race include in any of the villages, Dieter said, and spectators should expect the pack to pass through Salem after 1 p.m., Greenwich at approximately 2 p.m., and Cambridge at 2:30 p.m. "One of the most epic" viewing spots along the course is Meeting House Road in Easton, and Juniper Swamp Road in Salem also provides for good viewing.

Dieter said cyclists had been performing outreach at area schools in the weeks leading up to the big event. Various tertiary events are also held throughout the weekend.

* Sunday, April 15, beginning at 2:30 p.m. "Kids' Tour of Cambridge" -- youth races on closed streets inside the village of Cambridge. All ages are welcome, registration opens at 1 p.m. Parents must sign a waiver.

* Sunday, April 15, at 4 p.m. The winners of the silent auction, featured an original work by artist and former professional cyclist Doug Dale, who was injured during the 2011 Pro/Am event, will be announced. Proceeds benefit the emergency services personnel who play an integral part in the Tour each year.

The professional race Sunday starts at noon and is expected to finish at 4:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will follow shortly after in front of the Cambridge Hotel.